In a shocking and horrifying crime, Danelo Cavalcante, a 34-year-old man from Brazil, was convicted on August 16, 2023, of first-degree murder for the brutal and fatal stabbing of his former girlfriend in front of her two young children in 2021.[0] The incident took place in Schuylkill Township and left the community in a state of shock and disbelief. Cavalcante was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his heinous act.
However, on August 31 at 8:50 a.m., Cavalcante managed to escape from Chester County Prison, where he was being held.[0] The escape was executed by scaling a wall, climbing over razor wire, and jumping from a roof.[1] Astonishingly, the guards at the prison did not detect his absence for a whole hour, giving Cavalcante a significant head start in his bid for freedom. This escape mirrored a similar incident that occurred at the same prison in May, raising concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in place.[1]
Since his escape, there have been multiple sightings of Cavalcante near Longwood Gardens and the surrounding area.[2] Authorities believe that these sightings could indeed be Cavalcante and are actively pursuing leads to apprehend him. Trail-cam photos captured at Longwood Gardens have further solidified the belief that Cavalcante is still in the vicinity.
The escape of Cavalcante has also brought attention to the lapse in security at Chester County Prison. A tower guard, who was responsible for monitoring the premises, failed to notice or report the escape of the convicted killer. As a result, the guard was promptly fired from their position by the district attorney's office. This incident has raised serious concerns about the competency and vigilance of the prison staff.
In a recent development, a video surveillance camera captured Cavalcante's presence on the 1800 block of Lenape Road in Pocopson Township at around 1:43 a.m. on September 2.[2] This location is approximately 1.5 miles from the prison, indicating that Cavalcante has managed to evade capture for several days. The Chester County District Attorney's Office has urged residents in the area to secure their property, check on neighbors, and monitor security cameras. Any suspicious activity should be immediately reported to the police.
Chester County District Attorney, Deborah Bivens, has also requested the cooperation of residents in the search for Cavalcante. They have asked residents to check on their neighbors, especially if they are away for the holiday weekend. The district attorney's office has been conducting exterior checks of homes in the search area, but they are urging residents to report any signs of disturbance or suspicious activity so that the authorities can thoroughly investigate before homeowners enter their residences.
The escape of Danelo Cavalcante has undoubtedly shaken the community and raised concerns about the security measures in place at Chester County Prison. The search for Cavalcante continues, and it is hoped that he will be apprehended soon to face justice for his crimes. In the meantime, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the security of their property.
0. “Video shows convict Danelo Cavalcante escaping from US jail by crab-walking” Al Jazeera English, 7 Sep. 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/7/video-shows-convict-escaping-from-us-jail-by-crab-walking
1. “Danelo Cavalcante update: Officers swarm area near Longwood Gardens in search for Chester County Prison escapee” WPVI-TV, 8 Sep. 2023, https://6abc.com/danelo-cavalcante-search-chester-county-prison-murder-convict-update-pennsylvania-inmate/13754397
2. “BREAKING NEWS FROM THE CHESTER COUNTY PRESS: Search area for Cavalcante expands beyond two-mile …” Chester County Press, 6 Sep. 2023, https://www.chestercounty.com/2023/09/06/460905/breaking-news-from-the-chester-county-press-search-area-for-cavalcante-expands-beyond-two-mile-radius
